Definition of impatient

The word "impatient" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "impatientem" means "not bearing or enduring" or "not patient." This Latin word is derived from the prefixes "in" (meaning "not" or "opposite of") and "patientem" (meaning "bearing" or "enduring"), which is derived from the verb "pati" (meaning "to suffer" or "to endure"). The word "impatient" was later adopted into Middle English from Old French, where it was spelled "impatient" or "impsatiens." In Middle English, the word retained its Latin sense of "not bearing or enduring" and was often used to describe someone who was quick-tempered or prone to irritation. Over time, the meaning of "impatient" expanded to include the sense of being restless, eager, or eager for something to happen. Today, the word is commonly used to describe someone who is annoyed or frustrated with delays or difficulties.